New California State Parks Reservation System

The California Department of Parks and Recreation announced a new California State Parks Reservation System.

California State Parks

Beginning Aug. 1, 2017 the reservation system will move from a block or on-sale day reservation period to a rolling window. Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.

The rolling window for booking reservations, is a feature of the Golden State’s new state park reservation system, ReserveCaliforniaTM going live Aug. 1, 2017. ReserveCaliforniaTM will provide more user-friendly web services and greater accessibility to more visitors for the highly sought-after camping and lodging locations. A variety of features, such as interactive maps with more detailed views of campsites and self-service online options, will be phased in between the go-live date and Mar. 1, 2018, allowing for better trip planning and access to outdoor public spaces.

All reservations made through Reserve America (the current reservation system) between now and July 26, 2017, will be transferred to ReserveCaliforniaTM and accessible to visitors on Aug. 1. An electronic or hard copy reservation from Reserve America will need to be presented to State Parks staff when checking in for reservations made prior to July 26, 2017.

ReserveCaliforniaTM is easy-to-use and similar to booking hotels, airline tickets and other similar services. It is also similar to the booking window for facilities in the National Park Service. Below are important dates regarding the new reservation system, and more information on the rolling window for making reservations:

July 26, 2017

Beginning at midnight Website and telephone reservations for California’s state parks will be temporarily offline to prepare for the exciting launch of the new system on Aug. 1. During this time, all existing reservations will be honored.

Aug. 1, 2017 California State Parks Reservation System

ReserveCaliforniaTM goes live!

Reservations can be made online at www.ReserveCalifornia.com or by contacting the Customer Contact Center at (800) 444-PARK (7275).

Customer accounts from Reserve America will not transfer to the new system.
Starting Aug. 1, visitors will be able to create a new profile on ReserveCaliforniaTM.

Rolling window for booking camping and lodging reservations:

Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months from the current date. Camping and lodging inventory will become available each day for a period of six months in advance. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.

For example, on Aug. 1 a visitor will be able to reserve a campsite beginning Feb. 1, 2018 through as many consecutive days as the park allows. The reservation could extend from Feb. 1, 2018 through Feb. 14, 2018 if the park allows a 14-day stay. The rolling window adjusts for months longer or shorter than 30 days.

If you make a reservation on:

You can make reservations with an arrival date of:

August 1, 2017

February 1, 2018

August 2, 2017

February 2, 2018

August 3, 2017

February 3, 2018

New California State Parks reservation system features coming in March 2018

Ability to view your reservations in real-time.

More payment options at locations currently accepting only cash and checks.Additional trip information to make it easier for you to plan your visits.

More campsites available for online reservation. An additional 41 state parks will be added to the new service. These units will be added incrementally through 2018. Currently, visitors are able to book at 110 parks.

Reservations for state park units have been handled for the past decade by Reserve America. The department is grateful for the service of this vendor and appreciates their continued support during this transition to the new California State Parks reservation system. Through July 26, 2017, visitors may continue to make reservations through ReserveAmerica.com.

In the last two years, State Parks has strengthened policies, procedures, guidelines, and organizational structures to support a sustainable entrepreneurial, service-oriented, creative and collaborative culture. Part of this effort included awarding a new comprehensive reservation system contract to Conduent to support field operations and enhance the experience of visitors with a modern platform.

California’s Department of Parks and Recreation protects and preserves the state’s most significant natural and cultural resources while delivering public spaces to bring families and friends together and providing a wide array of recreational opportunities for the benefit and enjoyment of all people. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, on and off-road cycling, hiking, camping, and rock climbing are some of the recreational activities enjoyed in 280 state parks organized into 22 field districts throughout the state.

For more information on the new reservation system, such as FAQs or to subscribe for updates, please visit www.ReserveCalifornia.com. Do not forget to tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram – #CAStateParks and #InventYourAdventure.

I have found it impossible to get camping reservations for any 3 day week end holidays. You’re told you can reserve up to 6 months in advance of the first day you want, then at a specific hour and at that time when you request the reservation they’re all gone! Sign up for available dates on web site-really!